"Instead of an ally, I have two enemies," murmured Madame; "two determined enemies, and in league with each other." And she changed the conversation. To change the conversation is, as every one knows, a right possessed by princes which etiquette requires all to respect. The remainder of the conversation was moderate enough in its tone; the principal actors had finished their parts. Madame withdrew early, and Monsieur, who wished to question her on several matters, offered her his hand on leaving. The chevalier was seriously afraid that a good understanding might be established between the husband and wife if he were to leave them quietly together. He therefore made his way to Monsieur's apartments, in order to surprise him on his return, and to destroy with a few words all the good impressions that Madame might have been able to sow in his heart. De Guiche advanced toward De Wardes, who was surrounded by a large number of persons, and thereby indicated his wish to converse with him; De Wardes, at the same time, showing by his looks and by a movement of his head that he perfectly understood him. There was nothing in these signs to enable strangers to suppose they were otherwise than upon the most friendly footing. De Guiche could therefore turn away from him, and wait until he was at liberty. He had not long to wait; for De Wardes, freed from his questioners, approached De Guiche, and both of them, after a fresh salutation, began to walk side by side together. "You have made a good impression since your return, my dear De Wardes," said the comte. "Excellent, as you see." "And your spirits are just as lively as ever?" "More than ever." "And a very great happiness, too." "Why not? Everything is so ridiculous in this world, everything so absurd around us." "You are right." "You are of my opinion, then?" "I should think so! And what news do you bring us from yonder?" "I? none at all. I have come to look for news here." "But, tell me, you surely must have seen some people at Boulogne, one of our friends, for instance; it is no great time ago?" "Some people--one of our friends--" "Your memory is short." "Ah! true; Bragelonne, you mean." "Exactly so." "Who was on his way to fulfill a mission, with which he was intrusted, to King Charles II." "Precisely. Well, then, did he not tell you, or did not you tell him--" "I do not precisely know what I told him, I must confess; but I do know what I did not tell him." De Wardes was finesse itself. He perfectly well knew from De Guiche's tone and manner, which was cold and dignified, that the conversation was about assuming a disagreeable turn. He resolved to let it take what course it pleased, and to keep strictly on his guard. "May I ask what it was you did not tell him?" inquired De Guiche. "That about La Valliere." "La Valliere.... What is it? and what was that strange circumstance you seem to have known out yonder, which Bragelonne, who was here on the spot, was not acquainted with?"